Students look at the painting The Red Studio Shows the Way, and critique the art piece. In this critiquing art lesson plan, students discuss how the painting expresses ideas and feelings and history.

Students closely examine chamber music as it has changed from the Middle Ages to today. They work in small groups to research the composers, instruments and typical presentation in 5 time periods. They write biographies and share their...

Grotesques or gargoyles are wonderful subjects for stories or art projects. Here is a simple "how to" for creating a lesson about sculpting clay gargoyles. Tip: Have learners research gargoyles throughout history.

This overview of Theodore Taylor's The Cay is designed as an introduction for teachers who are considering using Theodore Taylor's novel for whole-class and/or book circle study. 

Promote volunteerism in your art or writing classes. In this service learning activity, middle schoolers create promotional materials that include photographs and newspaper articles based on their personal service experiences in local...

Should researchers be able to excavate, examine, and remove Native American artifacts from historic sites? Should companies be permitted to build on sacred Native American land? After watching West of the West's documentary, The Lone...

Students discover the materials used to make paper in the late Middle Ages and coompare that to papermaking today. In groups, they analyze and compare the effectiveness, cost and value of the various materials available. They discuss the...

Learners create original works of art using chalk, tempera paints, and paper in this art activity for elementary and middle level classrooms. The lesson includes ideas for displaying or mounting finished works of chalk art in the...

Students work cooperatively to create a spring-time bulletin board for classroom use in this excellent Art-based lesson. The lesson includes ideas and tips on how to create a successful board that looks as if it is a window to the...

Students create Maracas out of various supplies while learning about percussion instruments in this Art and Music lesson for the elementary and middle level classroom. Detailed directions for two different methods are given.

Lizards are amazing! After a activity on reptiles, take a look at this set of instructions. You'll be able to guide your class in making a paper lizard sculpture that moves. This idea also includes variations on the paper technique used...

Learners of all ages discuss how conflict can be negative and positive. First, they create a class bulletin board about conflict, and provide their thoughts and connotations surrounding the word. In a class discussion, they ask questions...

Young writers edit their writing to make sure it shows good meaning and clarity. In this writing lesson, students are given a variety of "What If?" scenarios to choose from as writing prompts. A class discussion ensues, which focuses on...

What does it mean to be a hero? Who qualifies as a hero? In groups, middle and high schoolers brainstorm a list of heroes and create a list of characteristics that a person must possess in order to be a hero. Extend this lesson by having...

Young scholars discuss guitars, pointing out different parts of the guitar, compare/contrast guitars from different times, imagine they are designers hired to build a new age guitar, create many preliminary sketches, choose one, and...

Students study the history and importance of clay and pottery. They observe a video dealing the kiln. Students explore ideas for improving construction of pottery. They demonstrate a variety of construction methods and identify the...

Students create an animal in the tradition of medieval animal combinations. They choose components from various animals and design a new animal from those parts. Students draw their animal with careful attention to surrounding...

Students complete an art project. In this gargoyles lesson, students learn about gargoyles and other medieval architecture features and discuss their purposes. Students create their own monsters using an etching technique. This lesson...

Students study and interpret Chinese art to find its symbolism, or the "hidden meanings" in this middle level instructional activity well suited for the Language Arts or Art classroom. An enrichment activity is included that allows each...

Through this set of three lessons about Ellis Island, class members will learn about why immigrants came to the United States, find out about the difficulties that went along with coming to America, become familiar with the immigration...

Pupils create artistic renditions of two random adjectives and one noun in this game-like Art lesson for the elementary and middle school classroom. The cross-curricular lesson includes a vocabulary list and a short resource list.

Identify the different types of graphs and when they are used. Learners will research a specific health issue facing teens today. They then develop a survey, collect and analyze data and present their findings in class.  This is a...

Students interview adults, ages 71-75. They ask them questions concerning events of 60 years ago and create a media presentation based upon background information and interview responses.

Middle schoolers discuss the story The Pied Piper.  In this reading comprehension lesson, students participate in a variety of activities designed to enhance and further their understanding of the story.  Middle schoolers...